Foldable portable outdoor stove and method of using same

ABSTRACT

An outdoor stove (a.k.a. “outdoor cooker”) is configured to be easily set up and taken down, has a minimum of parts, yet provides a secure cooking surface. It includes three wing assemblies commonly attached to a central hub, and folds conveniently for storage.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the full benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/310,036, filed Mar. 3, 2010, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Generally described, the outdoor stove (a.k.a. “outdoor cooker”) 10 according to the present invention is configured to be easily set up and taken down, has a minimum of parts, yet provides a secure cooking surface.

Under one aspect of the invention, a cooking device is configured to rest atop a supporting surface and to accept combustible fuel from a fuel source and to facilitate combustion of the fuel in a combustion zone, such that a cooking container atop the cooking device is heated via the combustion, the device comprising: A) a central hub assembly; B) first, second, and third wing support assemblies attached relative to the central hub assembly, each of the three wing support assemblies itself including: 1) a support foot portion for supporting a portion of the weight of the device on the supporting surface; and 2) a stovetop portion for supporting a portion of the weight of the cooking container, C) a rigid gas line assembly rigidly attached relative to the first wing support assemblies, the rigid gas line assembly including a downstream tip, an inlet opening, and an outlet opening proximate the downstream tip, the downstream tip being positioned proximate central hub assembly; and D) a flexible gas line assembly in communication with the rigid gas line assembly and configured to accept the combustible fuel from the fuel source and to route the fuel to the rigid gas line assembly, such that at least a portion of the fuel exiting the outlet opening of the rigid gas line assembly passes up proximate the location of the central hub, and can combust so as to heat the cooking device.

Under another aspect of the invention, a cooking device is provided wherein the central hub assembly, the first one of the wing support assemblies, and the rigid gas line assembly are substantially rigidly attached together.

Under another aspect of the invention, the other two of the wing support assemblies are pivotably attached relative to the central hub assembly.

Under another aspect of the invention, the wing support assemblies are all substantially unitary in construction.

Under another aspect of the invention, the stovetop portions of all of the wing support assemblies are substantially straight.

Under another aspect of the invention, an upstream fitting of the flexible gas line assembly is configured to mate with a propane or other gas storage device such as a one pound propane cylinder or twenty pound propane tank.

Under another aspect of the invention, a cooking device is configured to rest atop a supporting surface and to accept combustible fuel from a fuel source and to facilitate combustion of the fuel in a combustion zone, such that a cooking container atop the cooking device is heated via the combustion, the device comprising: A) a central hub assembly including a central tube having a central passageway intermediate a lower inlet opening and an upper outlet opening; B) first, second, and third wing support assemblies attached relative to the central hub assembly, each of the three wing support assemblies itself including: 1) a support foot portion for supporting a portion of the weight of the device on the supporting surface; and 2) a stovetop portion for supporting a portion of the weight of the cooking container, C) a rigid gas line assembly rigidly attached relative to the first wing support assemblies, the rigid gas line assembly including a downstream tip, an inlet opening, and an outlet opening proximate the downstream tip, the downstream tip being positioned proximate the lower inlet opening of the central hub assembly; and D) a flexible gas line assembly in communication with the rigid gas line assembly and configured to accept the combustible fuel from the fuel source and to route the fuel to the rigid gas line assembly, such that at least a portion of the fuel exiting the outlet opening of the rigid gas line assembly passes through the central passageway of the central tube of the central hub, such that the at least a portion of the gas passes out of the upper outlet opening of the central hub, and can combust so as to heat the cooking device.

Under another aspect of the invention, a cooking device is configured to rest atop a supporting surface and to accept combustible fuel from a fuel source and to facilitate combustion of the fuel in a combustion zone, such that a cooking container atop the cooking device is heated via the combustion, the device comprising: A) a central hub assembly including a central tube having a central passageway intermediate a lower inlet opening and an upper outlet opening, the central passageway being substantially vertical during use; B) first, second, and third wing support assemblies attached relative to the central hub assembly, each of the three wing support assemblies itself including: 1) a support foot portion for supporting a portion of the weight of the device on the supporting surface; and 2) a stovetop portion for supporting a portion of the weight of the cooking container, C) a rigid gas line assembly rigidly attached relative to the first wing support assemblies, the rigid gas line assembly including a downstream tip, an inlet opening, and an outlet opening proximate the downstream tip, the downstream tip being positioned proximate the lower inlet opening of the central hub assembly; and D) a flexible gas line assembly in communication with the rigid gas line assembly and configured to accept the combustible fuel from the fuel source and to route the fuel to the rigid gas line assembly, such that at least a portion of the fuel exiting the outlet opening of the rigid gas line assembly passes through the central passageway of the central tube of the central hub, such that the at least a portion of the gas passes out of the upper outlet opening of the central hub, and can combust so as to heat the cooking device.

Under another aspect of the invention, the second and third wing support assemblies pivot relative to the central hub assembly about a pivoting axis which is preferably common to the bore axis of the central tube of the hub central hub assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a pictorial view of a first embodiment of a portable cooker 10 according to the present invention in its erected configuration atop a supporting surface 100.

FIG. 2 is another pictorial view of a first embodiment of a portable cooker 10 according to the present invention, viewed from a lower perspective.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are views of the portable cooker 10 according to the present invention with cooking pots of differing sizes thereon.

FIGS. 5 and 6 are views of the portable cooker 10 according to the present invention in its collapsed configuration.

FIG. 7 are various line drawings of the first embodiment of a portable cooker 10.

FIG. 8-10 are various line drawings of components of the first embodiment of a portable cooker 10. In FIG. 10, the top left drawing, a separate brass fitting tip is shown in isolation. In the top right drawing, the brass fitting tip is shown attached to the end of the body 41 of the first embodiment rigid gas line assembly 40. In contrast, in the second embodiment, described later, the downstream tip is integral.

FIG. 11 is a view focusing on the gas line assembly of the first embodiment of a portable cooker 10.

FIG. 12 is a pictorial view of a second embodiment of a portable cooker 10 according to the present invention in its erected configuration.

FIG. 13 is a partial view of FIG. 12, focusing on the gas line assembly 40.

FIG. 14 shows the downstream fitting 53 of the flexible gas line assembly 50 mating with the upstream fitting 42 of the rigid gas line assembly 40.

FIG. 15 is a top elevational view of a second embodiment of a portable cooker 10 according to the present invention in its collapsed configuration.

FIG. 16 is top partial elevational view of a second embodiment of a portable cooker 10 according to the present invention in its erected configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention now will be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all embodiments of the inventions are shown. Indeed, these inventions may be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legal requirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

General Summary

Generally described, the outdoor stove (a.k.a. “outdoor cooker”) 10 according to the present invention is configured to be easily set up and taken down, has a minimum of parts, yet provides a secure cooking surface.

Detailed Discussion

Element List

The outdoor stove 10 according to the present invention includes and/or is associate with the following elements:

-   -   Wing support assemblies 20 (3 total)—including one 20F and two         20P         -   Tubular main loops 22 (3 total)             -   Short vertical portion 23             -   Long vertical portion 24             -   Horizontal portion 25             -   Inclined portion 26             -   Curved foot segment 27         -   Tubular stovetop elements 28 (3 total)         -   Tubular retention elements 28′ (3 total)     -   Central hub assembly 30         -   Central core tube section 32         -   Support assembly mount sections (4) 34         -   Longer connector sleeve (1) 36         -   Shorter connector sleeve (1) 37         -   Pivot sleeves (4) 38     -   Rigid Gas line assembly 40         -   41 body         -   42 Brass Fitting         -   43 Downstream Tip         -   44 Bend     -   Flexible Gas line assembly 50         -   51 body         -   52 upstream fitting         -   53 downstream fitting     -   Supporting surface 100

Overall Construction and Assembly

The drawings will all be generally referenced from this point on.

The outdoor stove 10 includes the following elements:

-   -   Three wing support assemblies 20—including one 20F and two 20P     -   Central hub assembly 30     -   Rigid Gas line assembly 40     -   Flexible Gas line assembly 50

The three wing support assemblies 20—including one “fixed” assembly 20F and two “pivoting” assemblies 20P—are held together by a central hub assembly 30. A rigid gas line assembly 40 is welded to the fixed wing support assembly 20F, and a flexible gas line assembly 50 is attached to the rigid gas line assembly 40.

Gas is supplied to the flexible gas line assembly 50 from gas storage containers (not shown), such that the gas flows through the flexible gas line assembly 50, to and through rigid gas line assembly 40, where it exits into and is preferably burns within the center of the central hub assembly 30. When the gas is combusted, the flame is preferably contained within the tubular cavity of the central core tube section 32, such that heat is directed upwardly and out of the upper opening of the central core tube section.

The three wing support assemblies 20, when erected, provide support for cooking containers such as pots to be positioned above the upper opening of the central core tube section and to thus be heated.

More Detailed Construction and Assembly

As noted above, the outdoor stove 10 includes the following elements:

-   -   Three wing support assemblies 20—including one 20F and two 20P     -   Central hub assembly 30     -   Rigid Gas line assembly 40     -   Flexible Gas line assembly 50

Wing Support Assemblies

Each of the three wing support assemblies 20—including one 20F and two 20P—includes the following components:

-   -   Tubular main loops 22 (3 total)     -   Tubular stovetop elements 28 (3 total)     -   Tubular retention elements 28′ (3 total)

Each of the three tubular main loops 22 includes:

-   -   Short vertical portion 23     -   Long vertical portion 24     -   Horizontal portion 25     -   Inclined portion 26     -   Curved foot segment 27

The three wing support assemblies 20, when erected, provide support for cooking containers such as pots to be positioned above the upper opening of the central core tube section and to thus be heated. Preferably the assemblies are each positioned during use such that their curved foot segments are positioned on a supporting surface such as 100 in FIG. 1.

Each of the wing support assemblies 20 is substantially similar in construction, and includes one tubular main loop 22 and one tubular stovetop element 28 (or alternately a tubular stovetop element 28′—see explanation below) rigidly attached to the tubular main loop 22.

Each of three (3) tubular main loops 22 is made of bent tubular (or solid) steel, in one embodiment tubular stainless (or solid) steel, with the free ends bent towards each other such that they mate end to and are then welded together such that a continuous loop of stainless steel tubing is provided.

Each such loop 22 includes a short vertical portion 23, a long vertical portion 24, a horizontal portion 25 and an inclined portion 26. Proximate the intersection of the long vertical portion 24 and the inclined portion 26 of each tubular main loop 22 is a curved foot segment 27. The terms vertical, horizontal, and inclined in the preceding sentence are in reference to orientations during use in normal cooking operations.

Two different embodiments are shown in this application, a first embodiment in FIGS. 1-11, and a second embodiment in FIGS. 12-16. The first embodiment includes tubular stovetop elements 28 to support and retain the cooking containers. The second embodiment includes alternate tubular retention elements 28′ to retain the cooking containers, which are supported by stovetop portions SP of the long vertical portions 24.

Central Hub Assembly 30

The Central hub assembly 30 includes:

-   -   Central core tube section 32     -   Support assembly mount sections (4) 34     -   Longer connector sleeve (1) 36     -   Shorter connector sleeve (1) 37     -   Pivot sleeves (4) 38

The central hub assembly 30 is configured to provide a connection between the three wing support assemblies 20 and the gas line member 40. The connection between the central hub assembly 30 and two of the three wing support assemblies 20 is a pivoting connection. These two assemblies are designated 20P in for example FIGS. 15 and 16. However the third wing support assembly (designated 20F in for example FIGS. 15 and 16) is fixed relative to the central hub assembly 30, and also has the gas line member 40 fixed thereto by welding or the like. This is advantageous in that it provides additional stability when open or closed, and the folding/breakdown process is simple and does not tend to bind.

The rigid fixation of wing support assembly 20F relative to the central hub assembly 30 is provided by a connector sleeve 36 which is elongate and tubular, and accepts the tubular ends of the wing support assembly 20F, such its tubular main loop is complete. This connector sleeve 36 is welded (or otherwise fixed) relative to the tubular ends of the wing support assembly 20 as well as welded (or otherwise fixed) relative to the central core tube section 32, such that the longitudinal axes of the connector sleeve 36 and the central core tube section 32 are substantially parallel.

The pivoting connection of the two wing support assemblies 20F relative to the central hub assembly 30 is substantially similar, and thus one will be discussed as an example of the other. A pair of pivot sleeves 38 is used to provide a pivoting connection between each of the wing support assemblies 20F and the central hub assembly 30. Each pair of pivot sleeves 38 is welded to the circumferential surface of the central hub assembly 30 each pair shares a common tubular axis. A shorter connector sleeve 37 is also used for each of the wing support assemblies 20P such that the shorter connector sleeve 37 accepts the ends of the accepts the tubular ends of the corresponding wing support assembly 20P, such its tubular main loop is complete. The connector sleeve 36 is attached to the tubular ends of the corresponding wing support assembly 20P by set screws, welding, or the like.

Once assembled, the shorter connector sleeve 37 is effectively captured between two corresponding pivot sleeves 38 as shown in FIG. 15, such that the wing support assembly 20P can pivot relative to the central hub assembly 30 about a pivoting axis which is preferably common to the bore axis of the shorter connector sleeve 37 and the pivot sleeves 38. This allows the outdoor stove 10 to be manipulated from its erected position in FIG. 1, for example, to its collapsed configuration of FIG. 5, 6 or 15.

Rigid Gas Line Assembly 40

The rigid gas line assembly 40 includes the following:

-   -   41 body     -   42 Brass Fitting     -   43 Downstream Tip     -   44 Bend

The body 41 is rigid, elongate and tubular, and passes gas from the brass fitting at it inlet to the downstream tip at its exit. Just before the exit there is a bend 44 (see FIG. 16 for example), such that its opening is preferably proximate the center of the lower opening of the central core tube section, such that the downstream-most tip of the gas line member can direct gas into the lower opening of the central core tube section.

The rigid gas line assembly is welded to the wing support assembly 20F at two weld locations W (see FIG. 15 for example).

Flexible Gas Line Assembly 50

The Flexible gas line assembly 50 includes the following:

-   -   51 body     -   52 upstream fitting     -   53 downstream fitting

The body 51 is flexible, elongate and tubular, and passes gas from the upstream fitting 52 at its inlet to the downstream fitting 53 at its exit. The downstream fitting 53 of the flexible gas line assembly 50 is configured to mate with the upstream fitting 42 of the rigid gas line assembly 40.

The upstream fitting 52 of the flexible gas line assembly 50 is configured to mate with a propane or other gas storage device such as a one pound propane cylinder or twenty pound propane tank.

Materials

It may be understood that conventional steel or iron may be used instead of stainless steel. The flexible body 51 of the flexible gas line assembly 50

Erection and Breakdown

Erection and breakdown of the outdoor stove 10 is very simple.

To erect the outdoor stove 10 from configuration of FIG. 5, 6 or 15, the three wing support assemblies 20 are pivoted from the relative positions of shown in FIG. 5, 6 or 15 to that of FIG. 1, and the outdoor stove 10 is placed on a preferably flat supporting surface 100 such as the ground, a deck, or the like.

To break down the outdoor stove 10, all cooking elements such as pots or the like are removed from the top of the outdoor stove 10, and the device is allowed to properly cool. The three wing support assemblies 20 are then pivoted from the relative positions of shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 5, 6 or 15.

CONCLUSION

Therefore it may be seen that the outdoor stove (a.k.a. “outdoor cooker”) 10 according to the present invention is configured to be easily set up and taken down, has a minimum of parts, yet provides a secure cooking surface.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the inventions set forth herein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which these inventions pertain having the benefit of the teachings presented in the foregoing descriptions and the associated drawings. Therefore, it is to be understood that the inventions are not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosed and that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be included within the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms are employed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation. 

1. A cooking device configured to rest atop a supporting surface and to accept combustible fuel from a fuel source and to facilitate combustion of said fuel in a combustion zone, such that a cooking container atop said cooking device is heated via said combustion, said device comprising: A) a central hub assembly; B) first, second, and third wing support assemblies attached relative to said central hub assembly, each of said three wing support assemblies itself including: 1) a support foot portion for supporting a portion of the weight of said device on said supporting surface; and 2) a stovetop portion for supporting a portion of the weight of said cooking container, C) a rigid gas line assembly rigidly attached relative to said first wing support assemblies, said rigid gas line assembly including a downstream tip, an inlet opening, and an outlet opening proximate said downstream tip, said downstream tip being positioned proximate central hub assembly; and D) a flexible gas line assembly in communication with said rigid gas line assembly and configured to accept said combustible fuel from said fuel source and to route said fuel to said rigid gas line assembly, such that at least a portion of said fuel exiting said outlet opening of said rigid gas line assembly passes up proximate the location of said central hub, and can combust so as to heat said cooking device.
 2. The cooking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said central hub assembly, said first one of said wing support assemblies, and said rigid gas line assembly are substantially rigidly attached together.
 3. The cooking device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the other two of said wing support assemblies are pivotably attached relative to said central hub assembly.
 4. The cooking device as claimed in claim 2, wherein said wing support assemblies are all substantially unitary in construction.
 5. The cooking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein said stovetop portions of all of said wing support assemblies are substantially straight.
 6. The cooking device as claimed in claim 1, wherein an upstream fitting of said flexible gas line assembly is configured to mate with a propane or other gas storage device such as a one pound propane cylinder or twenty pound propane tank.
 7. A cooking device configured to rest atop a supporting surface and to accept combustible fuel from a fuel source and to facilitate combustion of said fuel in a combustion zone, such that a cooking container atop said cooking device is heated via said combustion, said device comprising: A) a central hub assembly including a central tube having a central passageway intermediate a lower inlet opening and an upper outlet opening; B) first, second, and third wing support assemblies attached relative to said central hub assembly, each of said three wing support assemblies itself including: 1) a support foot portion for supporting a portion of the weight of said device on said supporting surface; and 2) a stovetop portion for supporting a portion of the weight of said cooking container, C) a rigid gas line assembly rigidly attached relative to said first wing support assemblies, said rigid gas line assembly including a downstream tip, an inlet opening, and an outlet opening proximate said downstream tip, said downstream tip being positioned proximate said lower inlet opening of said central hub assembly; and D) a flexible gas line assembly in communication with said rigid gas line assembly and configured to accept said combustible fuel from said fuel source and to route said fuel to said rigid gas line assembly, such that at least a portion of said fuel exiting said outlet opening of said rigid gas line assembly passes through said central passageway of said central tube of said central hub, such that said at least a portion of said gas passes out of said upper outlet opening of said central hub, and can combust so as to heat said cooking device.
 8. The cooking device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said central hub assembly, said first one of said wing support assemblies, and said rigid gas line assembly are substantially rigidly attached together.
 9. The cooking device as claimed in claim 8, wherein the other two of said wing support assemblies are pivotably attached relative to said central hub assembly.
 10. The cooking device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said wing support assemblies are all substantially unitary in construction.
 11. The cooking device as claimed in claim 7, wherein said stovetop portions of all of said wing support assemblies are substantially straight.
 12. The cooking device as claimed in claim 7, wherein an upstream fitting of said flexible gas line assembly is configured to mate with a propane or other gas storage device such as a one pound propane cylinder or twenty pound propane tank.
 13. A cooking device configured to rest atop a supporting surface and to accept combustible fuel from a fuel source and to facilitate combustion of said fuel in a combustion zone, such that a cooking container atop said cooking device is heated via said combustion, said device comprising: A) a central hub assembly including a central tube having a central passageway intermediate a lower inlet opening and an upper outlet opening, said central passageway being substantially vertical during use; B) first, second, and third wing support assemblies attached relative to said central hub assembly, each of said three wing support assemblies itself including: 1) a support foot portion for supporting a portion of the weight of said device on said supporting surface; and 2) a stovetop portion for supporting a portion of the weight of said cooking container, C) a rigid gas line assembly rigidly attached relative to said first wing support assemblies, said rigid gas line assembly including a downstream tip, an inlet opening, and an outlet opening proximate said downstream tip, said downstream tip being positioned proximate said lower inlet opening of said central hub assembly; and D) a flexible gas line assembly in communication with said rigid gas line assembly and configured to accept said combustible fuel from said fuel source and to route said fuel to said rigid gas line assembly, such that at least a portion of said fuel exiting said outlet opening of said rigid gas line assembly passes through said central passageway of said central tube of said central hub, such that said at least a portion of said gas passes out of said upper outlet opening of said central hub, and can combust so as to heat said cooking device.
 14. The cooking device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said central hub assembly, said first one of said wing support assemblies, and said rigid gas line assembly are substantially rigidly attached together.
 15. The cooking device as claimed in claim 14, wherein the other two of said wing support assemblies are pivotably attached relative to said central hub assembly.
 16. The cooking device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said wing support assemblies are all substantially unitary in construction.
 17. The cooking device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said stovetop portions of all of said wing support assemblies are substantially straight.
 18. The cooking device as claimed in claim 13, wherein an upstream fitting of said flexible gas line assembly is configured to mate with a propane or other gas storage device such as a one pound propane cylinder or twenty pound propane tank.
 19. The cooking device as claimed in claim 13, wherein said second and third wing support assemblies pivot relative to the central hub assembly about a pivoting axis which is preferably common to said bore axis of said central tube of said hub central hub assembly.
 20. The cooking device as claimed in claim 19, wherein an upstream fitting of said flexible gas line assembly is configured to mate with a propane or other gas storage device such as a one pound propane cylinder or twenty pound propane tank. 